After a grueling training camp, the first of what he hopes will be many in a long NFL career, Ricardo Silva expected to sleep well Friday night -- even as his future remained in the air.
"I'm tired, man," Silva said after the Lions' 16-6 exhibition win over the Bills. "My school plays up in Chicago, so I'm trying to go up there. I gave it my all. I ain't even tripping. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm happy."
An undrafted rookie out of Hampton, Silva is one of a handful of Lions still on the roster bubble heading into final cuts today.
He improved steadily throughout training camp, forced three turnovers in four exhibition games and left team brass with a favorable impression after a six-tackle performance in Buffalo.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said "probably a couple decisions (came) down to" Thursday's game, but Silva said he wasn't worried if he did enough to crack a deep group of safeties. The Lions already have Louis Delmas, Amari Spievey, Erik Coleman and special-teams ace John Wendling at the position, and Silva is practice-squad eligible.
"I think I showed that I can learn fast," Silva said. "It took me some time, but once I get it, I've got it. I feel like I can play at this level. I think I proved I can play at this level, especially last week with Tom Brady in there. But I got a lot to work on, and I will continue getting better. I just want to stay with the same coaches and continue this Lions tradition."
